We’ve all felt tired or weak from time to time — but if you’re living with advanced melanoma, you may feel more exhausted and weaker than ever before. Known as cancer-related fatigue, these symptoms make it harder for you to go about your normal activities.

In this article, we’ll explain what causes fatigue with advanced melanoma and offer five tips to maximize your energy. You can also talk to your oncologist (cancer specialist) and members of your health care or cancer care team for additional advice.

What Causes Fatigue With Melanoma?

Cancer-related fatigue is the physical and emotional exhaustion caused by cancer and its treatment. Unlike regular fatigue, these symptoms don’t get better with rest or sleep. Many people with advanced cancer experience fatigue as a symptom of their disease and as a side effect of treatment.

If melanoma continues growing and spreading, it uses up your body’s energy sources. Advanced or metastatic melanoma has spread to other parts of the body, which can cause organ damage and lead to fatigue.

Many melanoma treatments also cause fatigue as a side effect. Immunotherapy activates the immune system and releases inflammatory proteins, leading to tiredness and fatigue. Chemotherapy can cause anemia (low red blood cell counts), a well-known cause of fatigue. Other causes of cancer-related fatigue include:

• Poor diet
• Lack of exercise
• Stress
• Pain
• Insufficient sleep

Tips To Help With Fatigue

Need help managing your fatigue? Here are five tips to try.

1. Plan Daily Activities Around Your Energy Levels

Are you a morning person, or are you more productive in the afternoon or evening? Think about when your energy levels are highest and plan your daily activities then. Don’t try to force yourself to do activities at a certain time of day.

It can help to think of your energy as a bank account. Every day, the balance in the account changes depending on how much energy you have. For example, one day, you may have $5 worth of energy to spend. Certain activities “cost” an amount of energy that you need to pay. Laundry may cost $2 of energy, and dishes may cost $1. More time-consuming activities — like shopping for groceries or running errands — may cost $5 or more.

‘Budget’ Your Energy

Try to “budget” your energy to make sure you don’t take on too much. Choose a few activities from your to-do list that you can accomplish without completely draining yourself. Be sure to leave yourself some energy at the end of the day to spend time with family and friends or do something else you enjoy.

2. Try Adding Exercise to Your Daily Routine

Though adding more physical activity to your lifestyle may sound challenging, it may help combat fatigue associated with advanced melanoma. The American Cancer Society notes that exercise both during and after cancer treatment helps increase energy levels.

One study polled people with advanced melanoma who were treated with immunotherapy. Out of the 55 participants, 62 percent reported that they experienced fatigue due to their treatment. The researchers found that 31 participants exercised during their treatment. Many reported that exercise helped increase their energy, reduce fatigue, and improve their sleep and mental health.

Think Outside the Gym

Remember, exercise doesn’t have to mean going to the gym. Going for a walk, doing yoga, dancing, and swimming can all be good exercise. If you have physical limitations, ask your doctor to refer you to an exercise specialist or physical therapist. They’ll work with you to develop an exercise plan that best fits your energy levels and physical capabilities.

3. Choose Nutritious Foods To Keep Your Energy Up

A healthy diet can help you keep your energy and strength up while undergoing advanced melanoma treatment. Everyone’s dietary needs change during cancer treatment, so what may work for one person may not work for you. Your doctor can refer you to a registered dietitian to help you create a healthy eating plan.

Protein

Protein is the key building block to your body’s tissues. You need more protein during and after cancer treatment to promote healing and support your immune system. Try eating sources of lean (nonfatty) protein like:

• Chicken
• Fish
• Eggs
• Low-fat dairy products
• Nuts
• Dried beans and lentils
• Soy products

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are your body’s preferred form of energy. Make sure to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to fuel your body. These foods also contain the necessary vitamins and minerals to keep you healthy.

Supplements

Advanced melanoma treatments like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy can all affect your digestive system. It can be hard to get the fuel your body needs when you’re not feeling well. Talk to your doctor or dietitian about other ways to add nutrients. If you’re thinking of adding supplements to your diet, ask your doctor first. Too much of certain nutrients can be harmful and may also make cancer treatment less effective.

Additionally, bear in mind that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate supplements the way it does medications. To purchase supplements from reputable sources, look for verification from respected third-party testing agencies, such as ConsumerLab.com, NSF International, UL, or U.S. Pharmacopeia.

4. Ask for Help To Conserve Energy

Are you having trouble finding the energy to mow your lawn or run across town to complete an errand? Reach out to family and friends to help. Start by making a list of energy-consuming tasks that others can assist with. Ask a few people to help, and let them pick the tasks they’d be most comfortable helping with.

It can feel silly to ask for help with even the most basic tasks — like cooking or laundry. Remember, you need to keep your health and best interests in mind. Having someone else take even one task off your to-do list gives you more energy in the bank to enjoy your day.

It’s also important to communicate your needs with those around you. Many people understand what it means to be tired, but they’ve likely never experienced cancer-related fatigue. Advanced melanoma and its treatments make it difficult to go about your daily activities, but your loved ones’ help can make a difference.

5. Take a Rest When You Need It

During and after advanced melanoma treatment, you may need extra breaks during your daily activities. Make sure to pace yourself and take a rest when you need it. Making simple adjustments to your routines can help you conserve energy.

UCSF Health recommends sitting down when performing daily tasks like bathing, doing light housework, and cooking. Consider getting a medical-grade shower bench for your tub or shower. You can also add a chair near your kitchen counter or in the laundry room for quick rests.

It may not seem like these changes will have a big impact, but anything that helps you save energy can help fight your fatigue.

Rest and Relax

You can also take time for yourself throughout the day to rest and relax. Try lying down or taking a nap to feel refreshed and give yourself an energy boost. Some people find it helps to set aside a specific time of day for resting. It’s best to limit your naps to less than an hour so they don’t interfere with your sleep schedule.

Relaxation techniques and mindfulness exercises are a great way to limit stress and reconnect after a long day. The National Cancer Institute recommends relaxing your mind and body with quiet exercises that focus on your breathing.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyMelanomaTeam is the social network for people with melanoma and their loved ones. On MyMelanomaTeam, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with melanoma.

Are you living with fatigue from advanced melanoma? Has anything helped boost your energy levels? Share them in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.